Liberia: Female Journalists Chart New Path for Leadership and Media Growth at FeJAL Annual Retreat

Monrovia — The Female Journalists Association of Liberia (FeJaL) has concluded its annual retreat at the Lutheran Compound on 13th Street in Sinkor, Monrovia, bringing together female journalists from across the country, government officials, development partners, and media stakeholders to assess progress, exchange experiences, and plan for the future of women in Liberia’s media landscape.

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By Patience M. Jones, Contributing Writer

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The three-day retreat, which began on Thursday and ended on Saturday, was organized to promote the professional growth of women journalists, recognize their contributions to national development, and strengthen the institutional capacity of the association.

Participants travelled from various counties to take part in discussions aimed at building leadership skills, improving professional relationships, and addressing challenges faced by women in the media.

The event was held under the theme, “Strengthening Women’s Leadership and Relationships: Building a Supportive Workspace for Growth in the Media,” reflecting FeJAL’s commitment to fostering collaboration, mentorship, and ethical journalism.

The retreat concluded with a closing ceremony during which county chapters and individual female journalists were recognized and awarded for their outstanding contributions to the media sector. One of the major highlights of the program was the official launch of FeJAL’s website, which was unveiled by the keynote speaker as part of efforts to enhance the association’s visibility and communication.

FeJAL, founded in 1998, is a professional organization that advocates for the rights, safety, professional development, and increased visibility of female media practitioners in Liberia. Over the years, the association has played a key role in promoting gender equality in the media and creating platforms for women journalists to advance their careers.

Delivering the keynote address, Joseta Neufville Wento, Chief Executive Officer of the National Road Fund, called on female journalists to build confidence, courage, and professionalism in their work. She emphasized the importance of women supporting one another while also recognizing the role of male colleagues in promoting women’s leadership and inclusion in the media sector.

Madam Wento encouraged participants to set clear goals, develop personal and professional visions, and avoid unhealthy competition. She stressed that collective growth requires mentorship, merit based opportunities, and teamwork, rather than rivalry. She also raised concerns about harassment faced by women journalists, urging FeJAL to establish clear reporting and support mechanisms to protect its members from abuse and intimidation.

She reminded journalists of the responsibility that comes with their profession, cautioning against sensationalism and the misuse of media platforms. According to her, the media has the power to shape public opinion and influence social change, and journalists must therefore use that power responsibly.

“Your pen holds power,” she told participants, urging them to tell stories that inspire, educate, and uplift society while respecting human dignity. She further advised journalists to maintain professionalism in their appearance and conduct, noting that personal presentation often influences how journalists are perceived and treated. She also encouraged women journalists to network, seek mentorship, invest in self development, and uphold the principles of ethical journalism.

Speaking on behalf of UN Women, a representative delivered remarks reaffirming the organization’s continued support for FeJAL and its mission. UN Women praised female journalists as key actors in shaping public narratives, strengthening democracy, and advancing gender equality. The statement highlighted the importance of gender responsive reporting, fair representation of women and girls in the media, and the creation of safe and enabling working environments for female journalists.

The representative also addressed the growing challenges of online and offline harassment targeting women in the media, calling for collective action from media institutions, civil society, and government to protect women journalists. UN Women encouraged FeJAL to continue promoting ethical reporting, mentorship, and women’s leadership as the association works to develop and implement its five-year strategic plan.

In her welcome remarks, FeJAL President Lisa T. Diasay expressed appreciation to delegates from the counties and thanked partners and stakeholders for their continued support. She emphasized that the retreat was a critical step in shaping the future direction of the association and strengthening unity among members.

Madam Diasay explained that key objectives of the retreat included developing a five year strategic plan, reviewing FeJAL’s constitution, and addressing emerging issues such as online violence against women journalists and gender sensitive source reporting. She noted that the retreat provided a safe space for open dialogue, reflection, and learning, allowing members to share experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and build stronger professional relationships.

Throughout the retreat, participants engaged in panel discussions, interactive sessions, and networking activities that brought together veteran journalists, young media practitioners, policymakers, and development partners. Discussions focused on leadership, mentorship, ethical journalism, safety, and the critical role of women in shaping Liberia’s media narrative.

At the close of the retreat, participants reaffirmed their commitment to unity, professionalism, ethical reporting, and the advancement of women’s voices in Liberia’s media sector, expressing optimism that the outcomes of the retreat would contribute to a stronger, more inclusive, and more resilient media environment.